FAQs

Does the rating take into account simple phones or ‘brick’ phones?

The rating system only evaluates smartphone policies. Many Gold schools which do not allow smartphones still allow children to bring in a  simple or 'brick' phone. This can help children to stay in touch with their parents on the commute, but removes smartphones from the equation.

What age range does the rating cover? What if we have a sixth form?

The rating covers all ages up to 16. If, for example, a school is Gold for ages 16 and below, but bronze for ages 16 and above, the school still qualifies as gold.

If, for example, the school is Gold for up to year 9, and then Silver for years 10-11, in this case the school would be Silver (unless all school years up to age 16 change to Gold)

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How and why did you choose these categories of Gold, Silver and Bronze?

We worked with focus groups of Headteachers to craft the categories and wording. We also used existing research publications to assess the distinction between categories.

We found three distinct categories of highest performing smartphone policies, which each has a very different execution and outcomes from the other. You can read more about the categories here.

How are ratings verified?

Schools self-certify by registering themselves on the map. Registrations must be completed by the Headteacher or a designated delegate, and a generic school email verification is carried out as part of the process. A link to the phone policy is included, which is also key to verification.

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Map content disclaimer

All of the information about schools registered on the map is manually checked, and some fields are taken directly from government data (under the Open Government Licence). However, there can be a lag between a school registering on the map and the manual check. The URLs captured are publicly sourced, and we accept no liability for their content and the sites they link to. However we do make sure to visually check all of the content.

Aren't smartphones useful for some medical reasons?

Yes, and each school will have its own exceptions for smartphone use, for example by allowing smartphones for children with diabetes to allow monitoring. This doesn't affect a school's smartphone rating; medical exceptions are expected.

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Does the rating system cover Scotland?

The rating system is designed using the England and Wales Department for Education guidance, and therefore is of primary relevance to England and Wales. However, Scottish state schools are also able and welcome to register for the scheme if they wish to appear on the map. The Gold, Silver and Bronze categories represent three distinct types of smartphone policy, which can be universally applied to any school.

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What if schools are not robust at implementing their phone policy, do they still get rated and put on the map?

The rating system marks the school’s policy wording only, not how well it is implemented. If the school policy says that pupils have to hand in smartphones, for example, then their policy qualifies as silver, even if the school’s implementation is inconsistent. This system rates policies only.

How can I update details on the map if they change?

Schools can search for their school on the map, and click ‘Update details (schools only)’. They then fill out the re-registration form which will override the old details over the following 24 hours.

My school is changing policy in the near future, how should I rate it?

Rate the school as it currently is, but if you're a school registering, you can tick the box 'we have announced plans to move to another rating level'. We will be adding this option for crowdsourced registration soon, and are looking into ways to display this on the website or map.